Can I get a copy of my test results?
Yes. Please notify our office and we will send a copy directly to you.
What happens to my sleep recording after completion of the test?
One of our Medical Directors will review and analyze the data from your sleep study and provide a detailed report which will be sent to the referring physician within 2 weeks.
Do you perform Sleep Studies on Children?
We can perform sleep studies on children over 2 years old. During the sleep study, one adult can also stay overnight in the same room as the child.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. We typically recommend that anyone with a BMI greater than 35 is a likely candidate for a sleep study.
Will I just be tested, or will treatment be started in the laboratory?
Depending on what your Physician orders, you may get a full night Sleep Study, or a Split study which includes a CPAP titration.
Should I continue to take my medications before the test?
Yes. Bring any medications you normally take with you to your Sleep Study.
Will I be given a sleeping pill?
Patients who do not usually use sleeping aids will not be given one. However, if you normally take a sleeping pill to fall asleep, then we recommend you bring one to the sleep study.
Who will be in the laboratory while I am sleeping?
To ensure patient safety a Sleep Technician remains on site throughout the Sleep Study and a Physician is always on call.
Will the recording procedure disrupt my sleep?
People prone to insomnia may experience some interference with sleep. However, the vast majority of patients sleep well enough to have a successful sleep study.
What does a Sleep Study Show?
Your Sleep Study will allow us to determine throughout your recording whether you are awake or asleep, as well as what stage of sleep you are in when asleep. The following are recorded:
EEG (brain waves)
Eye movements
Muscle activity
EKG (heart activity and rate)
Blood oxygen level (using oximetry, no needles involved)
Breathing
Snoring
Leg/body movements.
Will the recording be painful?
No. Leads are placed on the skin with water soluble glue and tape. The recording process is non-invasive and is not painful.
Can I bring earplugs?
Yes.
Is the equipment noisy?
The equipment used at Sound aSleep Lab is the newest technology and relatively quiet. Most patients do not have trouble sleeping.
Can I bring my own pillow?
Yes
What should I bring to the Sleep Center for an overnight study?
Please refer to the section “Before your Sleep Study”
Can I eat before my test?
Yes, eat a normal dinner. If you usually eat/drink before bedtime, bring that as well.
Why do I have to stay overnight?
Overnight sleep studies are the “gold standard” used for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders. Overnight studies are necessary in part because sleep patterns may vary throughout the night. In addition, overnight studies are important for detecting more subtle symptoms.
What is O2 desaturation?
This stands for oxygen desaturation. During the sleep study, your pulse oximeter measures the blood oxygen levels. The normal blood oxygen saturation is 98%-100%. When the blood oxygen saturation falls below 90% during sleep, it is considered abnormal and qualifies for a diagnosis of sleep apnea. In patients with severe sleep apnea, the oxygen saturation may fall below 60% during apneic episodes.
What is AHI?
AHI stands for apnea-hypopnea index, which is same as RDI.
What is RDI?
RDI stands for Respiratory Disturbance Index. This is the average number of times you stop breathing per hour during sleep. The RDI helps to classify the severity of your sleep apnea according to the following scale:
• Mild Sleep Apnea
• Moderate Sleep Apnea
• Severe Sleep Apnea
What is a split-night sleep study?
During a split-night sleep study, the first half of the night will be diagnostic monitoring of your sleep. In the second half of the study, we will begin a CPAP titration by placing a mask on the face to determine what pressure setting is optimal for treating your sleep apnea.
What is a polysomnogram?
A polysomnogram records sleep-related information while you sleep. Information commonly recorded during a polysomnogram includes brainwaves, airflow, eye movements, and leg and chin movements. By analyzing the recordings from a polysomnogram, a sleep specialist can make the appropriate diagnosis of your specific sleep disorder.
What is BiPAP?
The BiPAP is a device used to provide non-invasive pressure support and CPAP via mask, usually nasal. BiPAP stands for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. The BiPAP aids oxygenation and ventilation in cases of sleep apnea or ventilatory muscle fatigue. It has also been applied to prevent the more invasive procedures of intubation or tracheostomy.
What is the CPAP apparatus and how do I get it?
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a mask that goes over the nose or nose and mouth and is connected to a small machine. If you need one for sleep apnea, you will be referred to a durable medical equipment company that will deliver the machine to your home within a few days. If you haven’t received the machine within a week, please contact our office.
What treatment am I likely to receive after I complete my overnight sleep test?
The treatment is individualized depending on the clinical situation and results of the sleep study. We recommend that you make an appointment with your referring physician three weeks after the sleep study to review the results.